Renewable energy forum rallies support in solar-friendly Eden-Monaro

The Australian Solar Council says the far South Coast is leading the way on solar energy take-up, and they're coming to the Eden-Monaro electorate to rally support against changes to the federal government's Renewable Energy Target.

The CEO of the Australian Solar Council has praised the Eurobodalla for its take-up of renewable energy options, saying the area proves Australians don't want the Federal Government to reduce subsidies for renewable energies.

Speculation is mounting that a compulsory review into the Renewable Energy Target by the Abbott government will result in widespread changes that abolish elements of the subsidy scheme.

"The target was reviewed by an independent expert panel two years ago and they concluded any changes would cause a flight of investment and cost jobs, and it had bipartisan support," John Grimes says.

"The law says he [Tony Abbott] must conduct another review, but he has appointed a hand-picked group of cronies led by climate change sceptics."

That report has now been submitted to the government with recommendations, and Liberal member for Eden-Monaro Peter Hendy says the target will stay.

"I spoke with [Environment] Minister Greg Hunt and most of the commentary in the newspapers is false - we are not planning to get rid of the Renewable Energy Target.

"I think it should stay and I think in dealing with the climate change issue, renewables have to be part of the equation.

"There needs to be a government policy that supports renewable energy and you do need to subsidise them."

But John Grimes says Peter Hendy is using 'weasel words', and while the government might not abolish the Renewable Energy Target completely, they could easily abolish aspects of the scheme that subsidise new solar panels in homes, while continuing to pay certificates to existing wind farms.

He says this would cause a big hit to employment in the renewable energies sector - something especially felt in the Eurobodalla area where 37 per cent of homes have installed solar panels.

That's more than the New South Wales average of 17 per cent.

"People know the only way you can slash your power bills is by installing solar - it goes down 65 per cent," Mr Grimes says.

"This government is saying they're going to lock you out of a future of lower power bills, and solar doesn't just suppress prices for the owner but lowers prices for everybody."

The solar industry in Australia employs 18,500 people, many who work in regional New South Wales.

Mr Grimes is warning the industry could shrink by 30-40 per cent overnight if major changes are implemented for the Renewable Energy Target.

The Australian Solar Council has invited Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt and Peter Hendy to a community forum in Queanbeyan next week.

He says neither have agreed to attend, but Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will be there.